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en-usCopyright 2015 AOL Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/leaderboard-are-you-following-bless-or-black-desert/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/leaderboard-are-you-following-bless-or-black-desert/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/leaderboard-are-you-following-bless-or-black-desert/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
I'm a big fan of Korean MMOs, and I always look forward to what's next from our friends in the Far East. Since Blade & Soul doesn't seem to be gaining any traction in Europe or North America, that arguably leaves Black Desert and Bless as the primary triple-A Korean titles on the horizon.

Black Desert seems to have more of the sandbox features I want, but I'm sure I'll play Bless too at some point. What about you, Leaderboard readers? Are you looking forward to either of these games? Vote after the cut!

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battle-royalblack-desertblack-desert-vs-blessblessepic-games-koreafantasyhousingimportkoreakorean-importkorean-mmoleaderboardneowizone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpearl-abysspollpollssandboxversusvotevotesvotingvsWed, 31 Dec 2014 16:00:00 -0500319|21122772http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/bless-online-adds-mounts-in-closed-beta/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/bless-online-adds-mounts-in-closed-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/bless-online-adds-mounts-in-closed-beta/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
It's disheartening to play an MMO that forces your character to walk everywhere like an animal. Much better to get an actual animal to do all the walking for you, yes? Thankfully Bless Online will allow players to do exactly that, with the game's current closed beta test adding 30 mounts for players to use as their personal transport tools.

Mounts in the game can be obtained via NPC trainers, via quests, or via finding and taming certain creatures out in the wild. They're also not meant as mere cosmetic variations, as each one supposedly has unique skills and attributes once you climb on its back. It looks as if flying mounts will be available in the future, giving players all sorts of different ways to get from point A to point B without having to rely on something so undignified as actually walking there.

Steparu
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betabeta-testbeta-testingblessclosed-betaepic-games-koreagame-mechanicsimportkoreakorean-importlike-an-animalmountmount-acquisitionmount-questsmount-trainermountsneowiznewsnews-itemssteedsTue, 09 Dec 2014 20:00:00 -0500319|21004872http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/bless-online-offers-combat-peek-in-latest-trailer/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/bless-online-offers-combat-peek-in-latest-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/bless-online-offers-combat-peek-in-latest-trailer/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsBless Online's second closed beta is coming up soon, with testing beginning on December 16th and going on until the 22nd. But hopeful testers don't have to wait until then to get a glimpse of the game's combat; Neowiz has released a brief combat trailer that shows off various fighting styles and their accompanying skills. Unlike the official trailer, this one is filled with in-game footage, complete with a peek at the UI. Check out a bow, sword and board, mace, and two-handed axe in action in the video below.

Steparu.com
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betabeta-testbeta-testingblesscombatcombat-trailerepic-games-koreaimportkoreakorean-importneowiztestingtrailertrailersvideovideosSat, 29 Nov 2014 18:00:00 -0500319|21000273http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/bless-online-reveals-a-new-trailer-for-its-second-beta/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/bless-online-reveals-a-new-trailer-for-its-second-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/bless-online-reveals-a-new-trailer-for-its-second-beta/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
The second beta test for Bless Online is coming next month, and the game is currently looking for more testers. Before you throw your hat into the ring, however, keep in mind that testers need to have both a Korean PMANG account and the ability to confirm their signup with a Korean cell phone. The goal here, if you haven't grasped it yet, is to have people from Korea testing the game. But you don't have to be in Korea to see the game's latest trailer.

The trailer follows the format the game's prior trailers have established, looking gorgeous without saying a great deal beyond "two groups of people are fighting and some of them die in the process." It is very pretty, though. Jump on past the break if you'd like to see for yourself.

Steparu
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betabetasblessclosed-betaepic-games-koreaimportkoreakorean-betakorean-importneowiznewsnews-itemspreviewsecond-betatrailertrailersvideovideosMon, 17 Nov 2014 16:00:00 -0500319|20994643http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/27/go-behind-the-scenes-on-a-bless-cinematic/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/27/go-behind-the-scenes-on-a-bless-cinematic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/27/go-behind-the-scenes-on-a-bless-cinematic/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Remember Bless? It's been a while since we've heard from the Korean fantasy import, but today we learned of a new video that takes you behind the scenes for the making of a cinematic as well as a 1,000-player focus group test slated for the Korean market on November 6th.

MMO Culture reports that Bless features "an epic storyline and conflicts between various factions and races which will lead to massive PvP battles." You can view the trailer after the cut.

MMO Culture
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blessbless-cinematicbless-videocgcgicinematicepic-games-koreaimportkoreakorean-importneowiztrailertrailersvideovideosMon, 27 Oct 2014 17:00:00 -0400319|20984600http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/10/bless-onlines-korean-beta-hits-100-000-sign-ups-in-four-days/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/10/bless-onlines-korean-beta-hits-100-000-sign-ups-in-four-days/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/10/bless-onlines-korean-beta-hits-100-000-sign-ups-in-four-days/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
If you're interested in checking out Bless Online's first closed beta, you are certainly not alone. Over 100,000 signed up in just four days -- and that's just those who meet the regional requirements! Of course, the lottery recruitment for beta slots -- open to Korean residents 19 years of age or older -- continues this whole week, so that number is expected to rise. It makes you think: Just how high would it soar if fans in the West were able to apply?

2P.com
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betabeta-sign-uosblessepic-games-koreaimportkoreakorean-importneowizMon, 10 Feb 2014 10:00:00 -0500319|20826753http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/06/bless-online-offers-first-closed-beta-february-20th/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/06/bless-online-offers-first-closed-beta-february-20th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/06/bless-online-offers-first-closed-beta-february-20th/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
If you want to check out Bless Online (and you can get your hands on a Pmang Korean account), you can apply for the new fantasy game's first closed beta phase that goes from February 20 to the 23rd. Steparu reports that besides trying to secure a beta spot through numerous events occurring on the official website, players 19 years of age and older can also sign up for the beta lottery until February 16th. If you lack the credentials to apply for the beta like the lion's share of the Western fan base, you can still get a taste of it in the official gameplay trailer below.

Source: Steparu.com
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betablessclosed-betaepic-games-koreaimportkoreakorean-importneowiztrailertrailersvideovideosThu, 06 Feb 2014 12:00:00 -0500319|20824464http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/15/bless-heads-overseas-but-stays-in-the-east/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/15/bless-heads-overseas-but-stays-in-the-east/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/15/bless-heads-overseas-but-stays-in-the-east/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
The good news is that Bless is traversing the seas to open up in new markets. Yay! The bad news is that said markets are not out here in the West. Sorry folks. The fantasy game known for its visually stunning screenshots and trailers is keeping to the other side of the globe; it will be available in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. Publishing the game in that region is Game Flier, Taiwan's largest online games company.

After posing for a picture at the Bless Taiwan Signing Ceremony, executives retired from the public spotlight at G-Star 2013 to conduct business in the business section. Although there is still no guarantee that the game will even make it to the West, we can hope that expanding into these markets is just the first step on the road to many more.

MMO Culture
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Blessepic-games-koreafantasyGame-Flierimportkoreakorean-importneowizFri, 15 Nov 2013 10:00:00 -0500319|20769063http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/13/bless-announces-beta-plans-for-next-year/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/13/bless-announces-beta-plans-for-next-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/13/bless-announces-beta-plans-for-next-year/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Before we go any further in this post, you should know that Bless is still a long way away from any sort of western release no matter how its beta testing goes, seeing as it has no announced localization plans whatsoever. That having been said, the game is heading toward beta testing starting early next year, so if you're reading the site from Korea or are just deft at translation, you can look forward to that.

According to the development team, the plan is to open up the beta test toward the beginning of the year with a January-to-March test window. Barring unusual developments or unforeseen glitches, the game is also slated to launch by the end of the year. From what we've seen of Bless so far, it certainly looks gorgeous with a focus on story and endgame content. Only time will tell when and whether we get to experience it firsthand.

Steparu
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betabeta-schedulebetasblessepic-games-koreaimportkoreakorean-importneowiznewsnews-itemstestingWed, 13 Nov 2013 14:00:00 -0500319|20767595http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/27/bless-blasts-the-airwaves-with-a-trove-of-new-trailers/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/27/bless-blasts-the-airwaves-with-a-trove-of-new-trailers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/27/bless-blasts-the-airwaves-with-a-trove-of-new-trailers/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
What in seven trailers is that? Why, it just happens to be seven trailers. No, make that eight! Neowiz is definitely no stranger to sharing the HD visual beauty of Bless with fans, from tantalizing trailers to galleriesgalore. But this time around, the company is offering a look at many aspects of the game all at once, releasing a number of trailers showcasing special effects in combat, clothing and armor design, the real-time day/night cycle, the seamless world, the sky box, and more.

Get a gander at the world of Bless in the combat and seamless world trailers after the break, then head on over to Steparu.com to see the rest.

Combat trailer, Seven trailers
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armorblessclothingcombat-trailerepic-games-koreaimportkoreakorean-importneowizseamless-worldseamless-world-trailertrailertrailersvideovideosFri, 27 Sep 2013 12:00:00 -0400319|20731728http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/16/new-bless-clip-shows-off-boss-transformation/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/16/new-bless-clip-shows-off-boss-transformation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/16/new-bless-clip-shows-off-boss-transformation/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsBless is shaping up to be quite a pretty game, and developer Neowiz is intent on showing off what harnessing the power of Unreal Engine 3 truly means for a fantasy-based MMO. This latest trailer focuses on the transformation of a giant wolf boss into an uglier giant wolf boss, and while short, it offers a glimpse of what players can expect in terms of Bless's bad guy design.

MMO Culture
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blessbossepic-games-koreafantasygalleryimportImportsinterviewJacob-Hankoreakorean-importkorean-mmoneowizNeowiz-BLESS-studioopen-worldtrailertrailersunreal-engine-3upcomingvideovideosMon, 16 Sep 2013 17:00:00 -0400319|20722018http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/11/leaderboard-which-upcoming-korean-mmo-excites-you-the-most/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/11/leaderboard-which-upcoming-korean-mmo-excites-you-the-most/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/11/leaderboard-which-upcoming-korean-mmo-excites-you-the-most/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
There are a lot of interesting Korean MMOs on the horizon. Well, they're interesting to me, at any rate. The problem is, none of them are playable in the West as of yet, even though one of them has a Western publisher and the others publish English-language news semi-regularly.

Assuming you are also something of a Korean MMO aficionado, I've put together a poll featuring some of the blockbusters we'll (hopefully) be playing in the near future. Feel free to vote for the one you're most looking forward to, and explain why in the comments.

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

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aaarche-agearcheagebattle-royalblack-desertblade-and-soulblessepic-games-koreafantasyhousingimportkoreakorean-importkorean-mmokorean-mmosleaderboardmartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaneowizone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpearl-abysspollpollspvpsandboxsandparkversusvotevotesvotingvsxl-gamesxlgamesWed, 11 Sep 2013 10:00:00 -0400319|20717218http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/12/bless-breaks-update-silence-with-new-screenshots/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/12/bless-breaks-update-silence-with-new-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/12/bless-breaks-update-silence-with-new-screenshots/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
If you've wondered about the fate of BLESS, we've got something for you! Although all has been quiet on the news front for the Korean game (and by quiet, we mean not a peep since our interview last fall), it has not disappeared into obscurity forever; the official website has posted an update and a number of screenshots highlighting the world built on the Unreal Engine 3. Even without an English translation, the update offers folks a peek at the progress of the game with various screenshots that show off a bit of the landscape, cities, and wildlife mounts (one of which appears to be a giant!).

Steparu.com
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blessepic-games-koreaimportkoreakorean-importneowizscreenshotscreenshotstrailertrailersvideovideosMon, 12 Aug 2013 13:00:00 -0400319|20692655http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/leaderboard-bless-vs-black-desert-vs-blade-and-soul-vs-archeag/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/leaderboard-bless-vs-black-desert-vs-blade-and-soul-vs-archeag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/leaderboard-bless-vs-black-desert-vs-blade-and-soul-vs-archeag/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
There are plenty of interesting MMOs coming out of Korea these days, and whether we're talking sandboxes like Black Desert, themeparks like Bless, or hybrids like ArcheAge, I'm pretty excited to try all of them. Let's not forget Blade & Soul, either, and even Aion has a new expansion on the way that's introducing a couple of game-changing classes.

For today's Leaderboard, let's pit these games against one another and see which one will claim the title of Massively's most anticipated Korean import. Vote after the cut!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

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aaarche-agearcheagebattle-royalblack-desertblade-and-soulblessepic-games-koreafantasyhousingimportkoreakorean-importkorean-mmoleaderboardmartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaneowizone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpearl-abysspollpollspvpsandboxsandparkversusvotevotesvotingvsxl-gamesxlgamesMon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 -0400319|20546455http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/its-all-about-story-massively-interviews-blesss-jacob-han/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/its-all-about-story-massively-interviews-blesss-jacob-han/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/its-all-about-story-massively-interviews-blesss-jacob-han/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Upcoming Korean MMO BLESS has been creating quite a stir as of late, what with its gorgeous HD visuals and action-packed "in-game" trailers. But MMO fans, skeptical bunch that they are, have expressed concern over the game, likening it to other Korean games, graphically attractive yet overly grindy experiences. What's to say this isn't just more of the same?

This is exactly the question we posed to Jacob Han, lead producer at Neowiz Games. Han's studio collaborated with Epic Games Korea to build the Unreal 3-based title, and we figured he'd be the perfect person to help give us an idea of what makes this game different from the pack and why MMO fans should take note.

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aionBLESSepic-games-koreafantasyfeaturedgalleriesgalleryImportsinterviewinterviewsJacob-HanKoreakorean-mmoNeoWizNeowiz-BLESS-studioopen-worldscreenshotscreenshotsteraupcomingwesternizationwesternizedWed, 21 Nov 2012 09:00:00 -0500319|20383990http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/new-korean-mmo-bless-reveals-english-website/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/new-korean-mmo-bless-reveals-english-website/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/new-korean-mmo-bless-reveals-english-website/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Stop us if you're heard this one before: There's a new MMO coming out of Korea. It's drop-dead gorgeous, it's built on the latest version of the Unreal engine, and it features fantasy armor that doesn't leave much to the imagination.

No, it's not Aion or even TERA. The new kid on the block is called Bless, and though we told you about the game back in October, it's taken Neowiz a while to come up with an English website. That website is now live (though it does take forever and a day to load). The site features a trailer, a few screenshots and character concepts, and brief snippets of lore that seem to indicate two factions (Cosmopolis and Hierapolis).

We've heard a rumor that Neowiz has more than 150 developers working on the project, some of whom worked on Aion, TERA, and Lineage II. We'll bring you more on the new title as it becomes available.

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blesscosmopolisepic-gamesepic-games-koreafantasyhierapoliskorean-mmommo-industryneowizrumorrumorsunreal-3Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0500319|20180369http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/neowiz-partners-with-epic-games-korea-for-new-unreal-3-mmorpg/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/neowiz-partners-with-epic-games-korea-for-new-unreal-3-mmorpg/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/neowiz-partners-with-epic-games-korea-for-new-unreal-3-mmorpg/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
There's a new fantasy MMO in town, and it goes by the name of Bless (for now, at least). And actually, when we say "in town," we mean in Korea, where Neowiz has partnered with Epic Games Korea to develop the former's first Unreal 3-powered MMORPG.

MMODen has the press release as well as the game's first trailer, and Bless features Eastern MMO staples like skimpy armor, feline anthropomorphs, and slick violence doled out with rather impressive weaponry. There's virtually no information on actual gameplay save that the title will feature 10 races, but we'll keep our eyes peeled and bring you the latest info as it develops.

Prior to Bless, Neowiz was best known for its Cross Fire and Alliance of Valiant Arms MMO shooters, and the new title boasts 150 dedicated developers who've been working on the project since 2009. Check out the trailer after the break.